How does physical therapy alleviate chronic neck pain? 

Are you suffering from chronic neck pain? Is your neck stiff and painful after a surgery? Or, does your neck still hurt after the severe injury? Then, opting for a palliating physical therapy is your best call. Physical therapy is a treatment method comprising exercise and stretches, which reduces the pain in the neck and also strengthens the neck muscles for more significant relief. It aids in bettering the head and neck motions and also supports the muscles to prevent recurring pain in future. A rehabilitation centre in Chennai offers various treatment techniques for their patients that helps them to regain their neck postures and enables them to carry their daily functions without any hindrance. Read further to know about the different physical therapy treatments available for chronic neck pain.

Physical therapy treatments for neck pain 

Doctors recommend physical therapy for their patients if they have a lingering pain over time, with the source remaining undetected. The treatment is believed to strengthen the neck muscles, which in turn supports the cervical spine giving their body the ability to withstand any pain. Some patients who have injured neck tissues also find physical therapy as the best way to recover from pain. Surgeries like anterior cervical discectomy with fusion may affect the movement of the neck and upper back muscles. Physical therapy can help these patients recover to their older self with better neck movements and reduced pain.

However, physical therapy is not recommended in the cases where cervical spines are unstable or if the vertebral bones are fractured or are undergoing degeneration. Stabilizing the spine is the foremost step required for these conditions before the physical therapy. Similarly, severe underlying medical conditions like infection or tumours have to be ruled out before recommending physical therapy. The top rehabilitation centre in Chennai provides multiple treatments for their patients according to their condition with their treatment durations varying individually. The following section enlightens you about the two types of physical therapy treatments and the multiple methods involved in it.

Types of physical therapy treatment 

Physical therapy treatments are classified into two types, namely, passive and active physical therapy. Physical therapy that does not involve a considerable effort from the patients is known as passive physical therapy. In contrast, active therapy includes patients to move their body through stretches and exercises. These exercises help in improving the strength and flexibility of neck muscles that reduce stress on the cervical spine.

Passive physical therapy treatments

• Ice and heat therapy treatment: Heat packs are applied on the injured surface to improve the blood flow, and ice packs are used to reduce pain and swelling. Both these methods are alternatively used according to the patient’s preference

• Massage therapy: Massage therapy gives immense relief to the neck pain as the procedure loosens and relaxes the muscles of shoulders, head, and back as well.

• Electrotherapy: Mild electrical current is sent via wires to the affected areas to alter pain signals, stimulate muscle contractions, and promote tissue healing. The most common electrotherapy used for neck pain is Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation( TENS).

• Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are sent beneath the skin surface and tissue to relax the muscles and reduce the pain.

Active physical therapy

Muscle relaxing and strengthening exercises such as neck stretches, core & back strengthening, aerobic activities and aquatic exercises are few activities included in the active physical therapy that improves the neck strength and functioning.

Physical therapy sessions are recommended to be done under expert supervision, as there are few risks and complications associated with the procedures. A proper diagnosis and treatment with licensed practitioners may avoid all the risks associated with the therapy.

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